Kappal Matha Church, Uvari, Thirunelveli
The
Kappal Matha Church (Our Lady of good health), with the form of a ship carrying
an aero plane, is also well known and worth a visit. The original church
of St. Mary was damaged by sea erosion, and replaced by this one built in 1974.
There are four shrines and many grottos. It is also known as Selvamatha Church.
It is an important Roman Catholic Church at Uvari. The church is devoted to St.
Mary. The Kappal Matha Church is Geographically Positioned at 8.279431, 77.894332
or 8°16'46.0"N 77°53'39.6"E.
The
present church building had been built in 1974 overlooking the sea, after the
original structure had been damaged by sea. The congregation of this church had
been worshipping here for about 150 years. This church has been shaped as a
ship with an aero plane forming a room and its construction is unique.
History
Originally,
a little church dedicated to St. Mary existed in Uvari and was under the
control of pastors of a Goan mission. In 1903, the church was converted into a
school. Festivals and prayers marked significant occasions, which were
celebrated by the locals. One custom involved young maidens going to the nunnery
to spend the night there. On one such occasion a bright light was observed
surrounding the Selvamatha (St. Mary) statue even though nobody had lit a
candle. This phenomenon was witnessed by many residents of Uvari and the light
continued to glow for over an hour. This event occurred on September 18 and is
celebrated as a festival. The statue of St. Mary is taken around town in a
chariot.
When the
old church was damaged by sea erosion, the locals decided to build a new
church. The foundation stone for this was laid on January 25, 1970 by
Father Thomas and the work was completed in 1974. The church got its name
‘Kappal Matha’ because it resembles a ship. (‘Kappal’ means ‘ship’ in Tamil).
Church
The
church dedicated to St. Mary is a delightful piece of architecture built in the
shape of an aero plane placed over a ship. It was constructed in the year 1974,
when the original church was damaged due to sea erosion. The church is facing
the blue sea and the moving waves of the sea near gives an impression that this
ship shaped church is sailing on the sea. The church has three shrines and
several grottos.
Connectivity
Uvari is
located at about 8 Kms from Thisayanvilai, 40 Kms from Nanguneri, 70 Kms from
Thirunelveli, 78 Kms from Thoothukudi, 136 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 220
Kms from Madurai. Nearest Railway Station is located Nanguneri. Nearest Airport
is located at Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi and Madurai.